Methods and Devices for Assisting Birth

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods for assisting birth are disclosed. The device is constructed from an elastic material with an elongated center and handles at both ends. A patient grasps the device at one end, while the other end is secured. When the patient experiences a contraction, the patient pulls on the device at a downward angle. The device elastically stretches and causes the patient to utilize correct abdominal muscles for pushing a fetus down a birth canal, thus reducing second stage of labor.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/226,493, entitled “METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ASSISTING BIRTH”, filed onJul. 17, 2009, the entirety of which is herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention disclose methods and devices for assistingbirth, and more specifically, methods and devices for assisting apatient to utilize correct abdominal muscles during the second stage oflabor.

The birthing process includes three stages. The first stage begins withcontractions which cause progressive changes in a patient's cervix, andends when the patient's cervix is fully dilated. The second stage oflabor, also known as the pushing stage, takes place between fulldilation of the cervix, and the birth of the patient's fetus. The thirdstage is completed when the placenta exits the patient. During thesecond stage of labor, proper use of abdominal muscles to contract theuterus is critical for pushing the fetus down the patient's birth canal.If the patient cannot effectively push the fetus out of her birth canal,then an unplanned cesarean section or vacuum extraction may need to beperformed.

Devices have been proposed which assist the expectant mother with usingher abdominal muscles during the second stage of labor. Use of thesedevices, however, often requires the patient to have full control of herlegs, which can be impossible with the use of epidural anesthesia. Also,these devices may not provide an efficient position for utilizingcorrect abdominal muscles to push a fetus down a birth canal. Because ofthese and other disadvantages, the use of (and benefits from) abdominalmuscle assist devices for the second stage of labor has been limited.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide methods and devices thatplace a patient in an optimal body position for giving birth, and alsorequire the patient to utilize the correct abdominal muscles for pushinga fetus down a birth canal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, a method for assisting birth isdisclosed. A pregnant patient in a second stage of labor is positionedin a semi-fowlers or high fowlers position. A first end of an elasticbirthing device is secured while a second end is grasp by the patient,with the patient's arms being fully extended or slightly bent. Thebirthing device is placed so that the first end extends at a downwardangle between the patient's legs from the second end. The elasticbirthing device is pulled by the patient along the downward directionand elastically stretched between the ends by the patient during acontraction so that the pulling of the elastic birthing device assistsin the second stage of labor.

In one aspect of the method, the elastic birthing device may stretch0.5-2 inches when pulled by the patient with a force ranging from 20-150lbs.

In another aspect of the method, the downward direction includes adirection at an angle between a horizontal and vertical axis.

In another aspect of the method, securing the first end may includeattaching the first end of the elastic birthing device to a bed uponwhich the patient is positioned.

In another aspect of the method, securing the first end may includemanually holding the first end with both hands of another person so thatthe elastic birthing device is elastically stretched between the patientand the other person.

In another aspect of the method, the elastic birthing device may bemanually pulled, by the other person, along the downward angle away fromthe hands of the patient.

In another aspect of the method, tension on the birthing device may bereleased when the contraction ceases.

In another aspect of the method, feet of the patient may be positionedon a squatting bar or stirrups.

In another aspect of the method, the elastic birthing device maymaintain the patient in the semi-fowlers, high fowlers position or anyother position that allows the patients legs to be spread and bent insquatting position when not pulling.

In another aspect of the method, the elastic birthing device may be intension at the downward angle before pulling, and the elastic birthingdevice may not noticeably stretch under this tension.

In another embodiment of the invention, a device for assisting a womanto give birth is disclosed. The device includes an elongated centerportion with a first end and a second end defining a central axis. Afirst handle connected to the first end, the first handle configured forgripping with two hands. A second handle connected to the second end,the second handle including at least one loop. The elongated centerportion, first handle, and second handle comprise an elastic material.

In one aspect of the device, the elongated center portion may include acylindrical body with a circular cross-section.

In another aspect of the device, the elongated center portion mayinclude sufficient axial elasticity to increase significantly in lengthwhen the woman applies a birth-assisting pulling force along the axis ofthe device.

In one aspect of the device, the cylindrical body includes a left handleand a right handle symmetrically opposed to one another with respect tothe elongated center portion.

In one aspect of the device, the right and left loop members maysymmetrically diverge from the cylindrical body with respect to thecentral axis.

In one aspect of the device, the left and right loop members maysymmetrically rejoin each another with respect to the central axis andproximal to the elongated center portion.

In one aspect of the device, the left and right loop members may betriangular.

In one aspect of the device, the second handle may include a dividingmember between the right loop member and left loop member.

In one aspect of the device, the elongated center portion, first handle,and second handle may be integrally formed from the elastic material.

In one aspect of the device, the first handle includes a reinforcementbar.

For a further understanding of the nature and advantages of theinvention, reference should be made to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying figures. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that each of the figures is provided for thepurpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as adefinition of the limits of the embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B and 1C are top views of devices for assisting birth,according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1C.

FIGS. 1F and 1G are perspective views of the device shown in FIG. 1C.

FIGS. 1H and 1I are top and perspective views, respectively, of a devicefor assisting birth, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1J and 1K are top and perspective views, respectively, of a devicefor assisting birth, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1L and 1M are perspective and top views, respectively, of a devicefor assisting birth, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1N, 1O, and 1P are perspective, top views, and cross-sectionalviews, respectively, of a device for assisting birth, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a patient using a device forassisting birth during a contraction, according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, show views of a device for assisting birthbeing manipulated for attachment to a birthing bar, according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a device to provide an effectivebody position during the second stage of labor. The device utilizesspecific muscles to increase effective pushing strength during labor,and thus reducing labor time. The device can also be used for low impactexercises that target the abdominal muscles used in the birthingprocess.

The device is made of flexible and elastic polymer (e.g., rubber) thatstretches during use. The device includes a non-enclosed handle bar forgrasping by a pregnant patient. A center portion extends from the handlebar to an enclosed loop, which can be used for anchoring the device to anon-moveable object (e.g., a bed, squatting bar), or for grasping byanother person.

In use, a patient would be in a semi to high-fowlers position with herfeet placed on a squatting bar or stirrups. The patient grasps thedevice at the handle bar, with her arms fully extended, and with thedevice extending between her legs at a downward angle. The loop of thedevice is either attached to the bed or held by a birthing partner.During a contraction the mother would centrally pull the device towardsher causing her to utilize the correct abdominal muscles. By increasingthe force exerted by the abdominal muscles during a contraction,interabdominal pressure is increased to help move the fetus down thebirth canal, and lengths of the active and pushing stages of labor canbe decreased.

Use of the device is especially effective for patients who haveepidurals. An epidural can result in the patient having no feeling inthe lower half of their body, with little or no sensation of movement ormuscle contraction, along with a decreased or non-existent urge to push.Thus, use of the device provides both a physical aide and visual guidefor utilizing correct abdominal muscles.

Exemplary Devices for Assisting Birth:

FIG. 1A shows a device 100 for assisting birth, according to anembodiment of the invention. The device 100 includes an elongatedcentral portion 102 which is positioned along a central axis A-A. Theelongated central portion 102 is a cylindrical body with a circularcross-section perpendicular to axis A-A. The cross-sectional area of thecylindrical body can be between about 0.5 in² and 2 in² with oneembodiment being 1.23 in² (approx 800 mm²).

A first handle 104 perpendicularly extends as a cylindrical body from adistal portion of the elongated central portion 102. The first handle104 includes a left handle 106 and a right handle 108, which botheventually curve inwardly in a proximal direction. The left handle 106and right handle 108 can include padded or soft members, such as foamrubber covering, and/or ergonomic molded finger grips for providingfatigue relief to a patient, as pushing and the second stage of laborcan last several hours. The left handle 106 and right handle 108 canhave circular cross-sections which can be 32 mm (approximately 1.25inches) in diameter. The left handle 106 and right handle 108 can haveinternal reinforcement (e.g., metal or plastic rods) to preventover-deformation of the left handle 106 and right handle 108 during use.The end to end width of the first handle 104 can be approximately 300 mm(12 inches). The second handle can have sufficient stiffness to inhibitcompression of the fingers of an associated hand against each other whenthe patient applies a birth-assisting pulling force along the axis ofthe device sufficient to elastically stretch the device.

A second handle 110 extends from a proximal portion of the elongatedcentral portion 102. The second handle 110 is an enclosed handle with atleast one loop, which may be open or closed. A right loop member 112 andleft loop 114 member extend symmetrically in divergent directions fromthe elongated central portion 102, and rejoin at a location proximal tothe elongated center portion 102 to form a heart shape. The right loopmember 112 and left loop member 114 can include padded or soft members,such as foam rubber covering, and/or ergonomic molded finger grips forproviding fatigue relief to a birthing partner. In use, the secondhandle 110 can be held by a birthing partner or hooked around astationary object. The end to end length of the device 100 can beapproximately 325 mm (13 inches). The loop members each have sufficientstiffness to inhibit compression of fingers of an associated handagainst each other when the patient applies a birth-assisting pullingforce along the axis of the device sufficient to elastically stretch thedevice. The loop members can also be separated with sufficient stiffnessas to inhibit compression of the hands against each other when thepatient applies the birth assisting pulling force.

The device 100 can be formed from an elastic and flexible material, suchas an elastic polymer material, which could be rubber polyurethane, orfoam. Suitable materials include rubber, silicone, or other suitableelastomers. The elastic material can also have slow recoilcharacteristics, such than when elastically stretched as disclosedherein, the device 100 will slowly recoil instead of quickly recoiling.For example, the device 100 may be able to recoil over a time period of0.25-2 seconds, which can provide for safer birthing environment. Theelongated center portion 102, first handle 104, and second handle 110can be integrally formed with each other in a casting or moldingoperation to &Inn the device 100. The elongated center portion 102,first handle 104, and second handle 110 can have circular cross-sectionsof the same diameter. In one embodiment, the device 100 is formed from apolyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer with a durometer rating rangingfrom 55-65 Shore A, although other durometer ranges can be suitable aswell. One such material is two-part (in uncured form) polyurethaneelastomer F-60 A/B manufactured by BJB Manufacturing, Inc.

The device 100 is resistant to stretching, and will only elasticallydeform when significant force (e.g., 20-150 lbs) is placed upon it,along axis A-A. In use, the device 100 will stretch 25-50 mm (0.5-2inches), depending on the amount of force used. For example, the device100 can be configured to stretch 0.5 inch when submitted to 20 lbs ofstretching force, and 2 inches when submitted to 80 lbs of stretchingforce. The device 100 can also be configured to be exclusively used withtwo people and thus require more stretching force. In many embodiments,the device 100 can be configured to stretch more depending on strengthof patient and/or birthing partner, for example in the range of 25-127mm (1-5 inches). Accordingly, the device 100 can have more than oneelongated central portion 102 and/or cross-sectional areas to provide adesired amount of elastic deformation.

FIG. 1B shows another device 116 for assisting birth, according to anembodiment of the invention. The device 116 shares a similarconstruction with the previously described device 100, however, device116 includes two symmetrically located handlebars 118, each of which issimilarly configured to the first handle 104. As the handlebars 118 arenon-enclosed, the device 116 is primarily intended for use with abirthing partner, although it can be improvised for attachment to astationary object, for example, by using straps.

FIGS. 1C-1G show yet another device 128 for assisting birth, accordingto an embodiment of the invention. The device 128 shares a similarconstruction with the previously described device 100, however, device128 includes a handle reinforcement bar 130 as shown in cross-sectionalview. The handle reinforcement bar 130 supplies handle strength to thedevice 128, and also can prevent unintended handle deformation duringuse. The device 128 also includes a handle separator 132, whichincreases the cross sectional area of the second handle and concentrateselastic stretching of the device 128 to the mid portion 134.

FIGS. 1H and 1I show yet another device 136 for assisting birth,according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 128 shares asimilar construction with the previously described device 100. Thedevice 136 includes symmetrical looped handles 138 on both ends.Accordingly, either end of the device 136 can be used by the patient,held by a birthing partner, or attached to a stationary object. Thedevice 136 also includes a central connector 140, which can be anintegral molded feature. The central connector 140 has an increasedcross-sectional as compared to the handles 138, and thus concentrateselastic stretching of the device 136 to the handles 138.

FIGS. 1J and 1K show yet another device 142 for assisting birth,according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 142 shares asimilar construction with the previously described device 128. However,the device 142 includes symmetrical looped handles 146 on both ends.Accordingly, either end of the device 142 can be used by the patient,held by a birthing partner, or attached to a stationary object.

FIGS. 1L and 1M show yet another device 144 for assisting birth,according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 144 shares asimilar construction with the previously described device 128. Thedevice includes a handle bar 146, which may include a reinforcement bar147 as shown in FIG. 1L. The handle bar 146 is integrally formed with anelongated central portion 148. The elongated central portion 148bifurcates into a looped handle bar 150. The looped handle bar 150 isdivided by a central handle 152. The central handle 152 is an encircledloop which transversely extends from the center of the lopped handle bar150. The central handle 152 can be used for attachment to an immobileobject, such as a bed bar.

FIGS. 1N, 1O, and 1P show yet another device 154 for assisting birth,according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 154 shares asimilar construction with the previously described device 128. Thedevice includes a handle bar 156, which may include an aluminumreinforcement bar or tube molded within, as shown in FIG. 1P. The handlebar 146 is integrally formed with an elongated central portion 148,which in one embodiment is an elongated cylinder that has a diameter ofapproximately 0.8 in (20.3 mm) and a length of approximately 4 in (102mm). Due to the having the smallest cross-sectional area along thepulling axis, the elongated central portion 148 generally elasticallystretches the most during use, as compared to the rest of the device154. The elongated central portion 158 is integrally formed with alooped handle bar 158. The looped handle bar 158 has a triangular shapeand is centrally and symmetrically divided by a dividing member 160 intoleft and right loop sections. The dividing member 160 can have webbedtransitions into the looped handle bar 158 as shown to reduce stress andpropensity for tearing under use. The looped handle bar 158 is generallyflexible enough to resiliently fold about the central dividing member160 in order to allow a straight bed bar to weave through the openingsin an over and under fashion.

Exemplary Method of Use:

FIGS. 2A and 2B show methods for assisting birth, according toembodiments of the invention.

A pregnant patient 200 is initially positioned on a bed 202 in asemi-fowlers or high fowlers position, while in the second stage oflabor. The patient's feet are positioned on a squat bar, stirrups or anyother position that allows the patient's legs to be spread and bent insquatting position. A squatting position increases the bearing downsensation experienced by the patient 200, thus, making pushing moreeffective. An elastic birthing device 204 is placed between thepatient's legs, with one end being secured by being attached to astationary object, or held by a birthing partner 206 as shown. Thebirthing partner 206 can be in a sitting or standing position whilebraced against the bed 202. The elastic birthing device 204 can beconfigured similarly to any of the exemplary birthing devices disclosedherein.

One end of the elastic birthing device 204 is held by the patient, withher arms fully extended and shoulders rounded when pulling. Correctposition of the arms forces the patient to utilize stomach muscles, asopposed to arm muscles, when using the elastic birthing device 204. Theelastic birthing device 204 is positioned most effectively at agenerally downward angle, which can be an angle between the horizontalaxis and vertical axis, for example, a 30-45 degree downward angle, withrespect to the horizontal axis, may be used.

The elastic birthing device 204 requires large amounts of force toelastically stretch, for example, 20-150 lbs of force. Thus, an averagepatient can lean slightly backwards and place tension on the elasticbirthing device 204 without causing the elastic birthing device 204 tonoticeably stretch. Accordingly, by simply holding onto the device asshown, the patient can maintain a correct body position.

As shown, the patient leans back while pulling and stretching theelastic birthing device 204 13-50 mm (0.5-2 inches) during acontraction. The elastic birthing device 204 is stretched by the patient200 by utilizing her correct abdominal muscles (the rectus abdominus;the external and internal oblique muscles) to pull her body backwards.This motion also causes the muscles of the pelvic floor to assist in themovement of the fetus down the birth canal. By increasing the forceexerted by the abdominal muscles during a contraction, interabdominalpressure is increased, and lengths of the active and pushing stages oflabor can be decreased. It has been found that use of the elasticbirthing device 204 can reduce the time second stage of labor byapproximately half, with the potential to reduce cesarean deliveries andvacuum extractions. The downward angle of the elastic birthing device204 also helps the patient to utilize the correct abdominal muscles, asa higher angle has the tendency to utilize less abdominal muscles andmore back muscles.

During the contraction, with the body elevated and the legs off to thesides as far as possible, the patient 200 takes a deep breath and holdsit. The patient 200 has her chin placed against her chest and curlsaround her abdomen while both the birth mother and the other personpulls the device 204 centrally away from each other and down slightly sothat the device 204 is over the pelvic region. The force of the pullshould be strong enough so that the patient 200 feels the stomachmuscles tightening. The patient 200 should be made aware to focus energyin the abdominal area and not somewhere else in her body. For instance,if her upper body or legs are tense, she is likely pushing with thosemuscles instead of her abdominal muscles.

The patient 200 can try to hold each abdominal push as long as possiblewhile holding her breath. Counting to 10 during the push has been foundto be helpful to maintain the force of the push. The patient 200 canthen let the breath out completely and quickly take another breath, holdher breath for another 10 count, and then continue this process untilthe fetus has continued down the birth canal.

The patient's 200 back and shoulders can be rounded forward. Thisenables the pelvis to open up and for the fetus to come down the birthcanal faster. Conversely, arching the back in a reverse direction is notrecommended, as this may cause the fetus to go upward in the wrongdirection down the birth canal. The birthing partner 206 can provideverbal motivation/instruction to remind the patient to keep the properbody positioning and muscle focus, for example instructing the patient200 to, “push with your stomach.”

A pillow can be placed under that side of the patient's back if it isnoticed that the fetus is lying off to one side of the patient's 200abdomen. The placement of the pillow helps the fetus become morecentrally aligned with the birth canal. It should be understood that thepositions shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are not limiting. Accordingly, if onebirthing position is ineffective, other positions such as side-lying orsitting up straighter can be used. Care should be taken to make certainthat the device 204 is between the patient's 200 legs and over herpelvic region when pushing. It should also be understood that it isgenerally easier on the birthing partner's 206 back if he/she is sittingopposite the birth mother, or if standing, has one leg (knee) resting onthe bed.

The birthing partner 206 may also pull and stretch the device away fromthe patient 200, and also encourage the patient to use a proper amountof effort during contractions. The birthing partner 206 can assume asitting position as shown in FIG. 2A or a standing/crouching position asshown in FIG. 2B. The bed 202 may be raised accordingly to place thepatient 200 and device 204 at the optimal position for a downwardpulling angle. It is important for the birthing partner 206 to braceagainst the bed 202 with their knees or other body part, to avoid beingpulled on top of the patient 200. The birthing partner 206 can pull theelastic birthing device 204 away from the patient in a manner whichrequires the patient to output a greater force than when the elasticbirthing device 204 is attached to a stationary object. Accordingly, inorder to assume the position shown and not be pulled forwards, thepatient 200 has to overcome the pulling force from the birthing partner206, as well provide enough force to elastically stretch the elasticbirthing device 204. Use of the birthing partner 206 is particularlyuseful when the patient 200 is especially strong or heavy, or is notputting forth enough effort when using the device 204 alone.

After the contraction, the patient 200 may relax her abdominal muscleswhich causes the elastic birthing device 204 to elastically reform andplace the patient 200 back into a birthing position. The elasticbirthing device 204 provides a tensional spring force which helps thepatient to maintain positioning. Thus, the elastic birthing device 204can automatically place the patient when the patient 200 relaxes hermuscles to maintain a semi-fowlers or high-fowlers position. Prior artdevices do not provide sufficient force to place the patient back intoposition, and thus can cause a patient to wander from an optimalbirthing position after use. Alternatively, the patient 200 may restagainst the bed 200 between contractions.

It is important to note that the elastic birthing device 204 alsoprovides a visual confirmation to the patient, that she is utilizing thecorrect abdominal muscles during a contraction. Many patients haveundergone an epidural to eliminate pain, however, a side effect of anepidural is the reduced or complete lack of sensation in the lower body,including muscle feedback. Accordingly, a patient may not be able todiscern the difference in contraction efforts, for example, 10 lbs ofeffort can be physically indiscernible from 50 lbs of effort. As theelastic birthing device 204 requires significant effort to stretch, thepatient is provided with a visual indication that she is actuallyproviding the correct amount abdominal effort during a contraction. Forexample, a patient with an epidural who sees that she is hardlystretching the elastic birthing device 204 during a contraction willknow that she needs to increase her effort. This is especially importantover a long birthing procedure (e.g., several hours), where fatigue cancause the patient to unconsciously output less force. The elasticbirthing device 204 can visibly deform during use, for example bynecking of a center portion of the elastic birthing device 204, whichprovides improved visual confirmation compared to movement alone.

The elastic birthing device 204 can also be used for practicing birthcontractions. In one embodiment, the patient 200 can position herselfsimilarly shown in FIG. 2A and utilize her abdominal muscles inpreparation for labor by performing sets of simulated contractions, forexample, 1-5 sets of 10-50 simulated contractions a day. The elasticbirthing device 204 can be hooked around the patient's feet, held by apartner, or attached to a stationary object.

Attachment to a Stationary Object:

FIGS. 3A-3D shows an elastic birthing device 300 being attached to astationary object, according to an embodiment of the invention. Thebirthing device 300 is shown in a similar configuration to the birthingdevice 154 described herein. It should be understood that any of thedevices disclosed herein with at least one looped handle may be attachedin a similar manner.

In FIG. 3A the birthing device 300 is manipulated to fold handlesections 302 about dividing member 304. This allows a straight bar to beweaved in and out of the handle sections 302 and the dividing member304. The flexibility of the material of the birthing device 300 enablesthe handle sections 302 about dividing member 304 to be manipulated byhand.

In FIG. 3B the birthing device 300 is maintained in the position shownin FIG. 3A and advanced over a birthing bar BB as shown. The twoopenings of the birthing device looped handle form one opening via thefolding operation described above. The birthing bar BB is disconnectedfrom the bed at one end of the birthing bar BB, and the birthing device300 is advanced over the disconnected end. The birthing bar BB may thenbe reconnected.

In FIG. 3C the birthing device 300 is positioned over the center portionof the birthing bar BB as shown. The folding operation and subsequentadvancement of the birthing device 300 onto the birthing bar BB resultsin the birthing device 300 woven onto the birthing bar BB. This is shownas the dividing member 304 is located oppositely to handle sections 302with respect to the birthing bar BB. The resilient nature of thematerial of the birthing device 300 will maintain the birthing device300 in position.

In FIG. 3C the birthing device 300 is shown in use on the birthing barBB by a patient. It should be understood that many hospital suppliedbirthing bars will not provide the optimum pulling angle for the patientto use, as shown. However, the use of a birthing device 300 at a lessthan optimum angle is preferable to not using the birthing device 300 atall. In some embodiments, an accessory bar may be attached to thebirthing bar BB between the upright members of the birthing bar, andparallel to the center portion of the birthing bar. Accordingly, thebirthing device 300 can be attached to the accessory bar to provide anoptimum pulling angle for the patient. In all cases, care should betaken to make sure the birthing device 300 is secured to the birthingbar BB or other stationary object to avoid accidental slipping orinjury.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present inventionmay be embodied in other specific forms without departing from theessential characteristics thereof. These other embodiments are intendedto be included within the scope of the present invention, which is setforth in the following claims.

1. A method for assisting birth, comprising; positioning a pregnantpatient in a second stage of labor in a semi-fowlers or high fowlersposition; securing a first end of an elastic birthing device while asecond end is grasp by the patient, with the patient's arms being fullyextended or slightly bent; and placing the birthing device so that thefirst end extends at a downward angle between the patient's legs fromthe second end; wherein the elastic birthing device is pulled by thepatient along the downward direction and elastically stretched betweenthe ends by the patient during a contraction so that the pulling of theelastic birthing device assists in the second stage of labor.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the elastic birthing device stretches 0.5-2inches when pulled by the patient with a force ranging from 20-150 lbs.3. The method of claim 1, wherein the downward direction comprises adirection at an angle between a horizontal and vertical axis.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein securing the first end comprises attachingthe first end of the elastic birthing device to a bed upon which thepatient is positioned.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein securing thefirst end comprises manually holding the first end with both hands ofanother person so that the elastic birthing device is elasticallystretched between the patient and the other person.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, additionally comprising: manually pulling, by the other person,on the elastic birthing device along the downward angle away from thehands of the patient.
 7. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising:releasing tension on the birthing device when the contraction ceases. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein feet of the patient are positioned on asquatting bar or stirrups.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the elasticbirthing device maintains the patient in the semi-fowlers, high fowlersposition or any other position that allows the patients legs to bespread and bent in squatting position when not pulling.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the elastic birthing device is in tension at thedownward angle before pulling, and wherein the elastic birthing devicedoes not noticeably stretch under the tension.
 11. A device forassisting a woman to give birth, the device comprising: an elongatedcenter portion with a first end and a second end defining a centralaxis; a first handle connected to the first end, the first handleconfigured for gripping with two hands; and a second handle connected tothe second end, the second handle including at least one loop, whereinthe elongated center portion, first handle, and second handle comprisean elastic material.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the elongatedcenter portion comprises a cylindrical body with a circularcross-section.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the elongated centerportion has sufficient axial elasticity to increase significantly inlength when the woman applies a birth-assisting pulling force along theaxis of the device.
 14. The device of claim 14, wherein the cylindricalbody comprises a left handle and a right handle symmetrically opposed toone another with respect to the elongated center portion.
 15. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the right and left loop members symmetricallydiverge from the cylindrical body with respect to the central axis. 16.The device of claim 18, wherein the left and right loop memberssymmetrically rejoin each another with respect to the central axis andproximal to the elongated center portion.
 17. The device of claim 19,wherein the left and right loop members are triangular.
 18. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the second handle comprises a dividing memberbetween the right loop member and left loop member.
 19. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the elongated center portion, first handle, and secondhandle are integrally formed from the elastic material.
 20. The deviceof claim 11, wherein the first handle includes a reinforcement bar.